Interview with Forbes Global Properties Co-Founders, Jeff Hyland and Bonnie Stone Sellers

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It’s been almost a year since Forbes Global Properties launched internationally. Can you share highlights from the first year?

Bonnie: Forbes Global Properties was established in December 2020 as an invitation-only consortium of leading real estate firms and a curated consumer marketplace for the world’s finest homes.

We’ve welcomed many new members to our network this year, most recently in Dubai, Singapore, and the U.S. markets of Phoenix and Telluride. Our network now comprises approximately 2,400 real estate professionals in more than 140 locations across 10 countries.

Jeff: The response from buyers, sellers, and lovers of real estate the world over has been overwhelming. Forbes Global Properties is a bold, intelligent, and desirable platform that is redefining the way that the world’s most significant properties are bought, sold, and enjoyed. It is what the world of real estate has been waiting for.

What are the benefits of Forbes Global Properties for sellers and buyers of high-end properties?

Bonnie: Forbes is one of the world’s most trusted business media brands, a brand with multi-generational appeal that affluent home buyers know and respect.

As Forbes’ exclusive residential real estate partner, we’re able to tap into their engaged audience of over 130 million monthly international website visitors to connect, inform, and inspire luxury homebuyers and sellers.

Homes are promoted across Forbes’ print, digital, and social media channels with targeted advertisements, expert commentary, bespoke articles, and timely market data.

Jeff: Forbes Global Properties is not merely a listing tool for agents — it offers direct and measurable access to potential high-net-worth (HNW) buyers through Forbes’ worldwide media penetration.

Buyers have direct and immediate access to the representing agent, an acknowledged best-in-class local expert.

What are the key criteria for joining the Forbes Global Properties network?

Bonnie: Members of Forbes Global Properties are highly vetted, local market experts. Only firms with success in luxury property sales and a reputation for dedicated client service are invited to join our network after a rigorous vetting process, top-tier brokerages like FGP Swiss & Alps.

Jeff: We’re a by-invitation-only membership network. We’re not looking to be the biggest real estate brand or to be in every market.

The quality and talent of members sets us apart. All are leaders in the industry and their luxury markets.

FGP Swiss & Alps, a founding member of the network, is your exclusive representative for Switzerland and the French Alps. Why did Forbes Global Properties choose FGP Swiss & Alps as an exclusive member?

Jeff: FGP Swiss & Alps exemplifies the exceptional caliber of brokerages that comprise our network. As one of Switzerland’s leading luxury brokerages, the firm has a distinguished reputation for top-quality client service and deep luxury market expertise.

Bonnie: We’ve been proud to collaborate with the FGP Swiss & Alps team on numerous initiatives this year, including the rollout of their new company branding under the Comptoir Immobilier umbrella. The lifestyle offerings and the luxurious homes they represent are truly world-class.